Heavy sports equipment suspension system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for heavy sports equipment that reduces the shock and noise transmitted by an impact delivered thereto. The disclosure provides for connective devices to secure the suspension system to the heavy sporting good equipment and to secure it to a mounting point. In one embodiment, the heavy sporting good equipment comprises a heavy bag.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/408,818, filed on Nov. 1, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Heavy sports equipment that is suspended and subjected to repeatedimpacts is susceptible to damage from shock, vibratory noise, shear andtearing. Although the support structure integrated into the equipmentresists such destructive influences, the result is often prematurefailure of the equipment requiring expensive repair and/or replacement.

A need exists for a suspension system capable of reducing the effect ofthe destructive influences on heavy sports equipment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a system for suspending heavy sportsequipment and reducing the effect of destructive influences on theequipment.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a suspension system includinga first end and a second end connected by a longitudinal body. Thelongitudinal body has elasticity, thereby allowing it to stretch uponreceiving an impact and return to a steady-state condition thereafter.The first end carries a first connective point and the second endcarries a second connective point. The longitudinal body has a wavysegment defined therein between the first and the second end.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides an exercise systemincluding a heavy bag suspended by the suspension system. The firstconnective point on the first end is adapted to connect to the heavy bagand the second connective point on the second end is adapted to connectto a mounting device for suspending the heavy bag. The longitudinal bodyhas elasticity that allows it to stretch in response to an impact forcereceived by the heavy bag and return to a steady-state conditionthereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the inventive suspensionsystem.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the inventive suspensionsystem.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventivesuspension system.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of theinventive suspension system.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of the inventivesuspension system.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinventive suspension system.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment including a plurality of inventivesuspension systems connected to a heavy bag and joined together with amounting ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for suspendingheavy sports equipment and increasing the serviceable life of theequipment. Referring generally to the drawings, the inventive suspensionsystem is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 10. Theinventive suspension system 10 comprises first end 12 and second end 14connected by longitudinal body 16. Longitudinal body 16 has elasticitythat enables longitudinal body 16 to absorb an impact force bystretching or otherwise deforming after receiving the impact andreturning to a steady-state condition thereafter. Herein, thesteady-state condition is the configuration of longitudal body 16 priorto receiving the impact.

In an embodiment of the inventive suspension system 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, first end 12 has first hole 18 transversely disposedtherethrough and across first end width A. Similarly, second end 14 hassecond hole 22 transversely disposed therethrough and across second endthickness B. As shown, bushings 26 and 28 are positioned within firstand second holes 18 and 22, respectively, to provide strength and resisttear-through. Ring 30 is secured within bushing 26, and ring 32 issecured within bushing 28. Ring 30 provides first connective point 31carried by first end 12, and ring 32 provides second connective point 33carried by second end 14.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, rings 30 and 32 aresubstantially rectangular in shape. Ring 30 is shown with long leg 34disposed within hole 22. Ring 32 is shown with short leg 36 disposed inhole 24. Although depicted as rectangular, rings 30 and 32 can be anyshape, including without limitation D-rings, loops, locking-rings,U-channels, etc.

Rings 30 and 32 may be formed from any conventional material suitablefor supporting the desired sports equipment. Thus, rings 30, 32 may beformed from metals, such as steel, as well as plastics and compositematerials. Additionally, pliable materials such as wire, cottonrope/twine, nylon rope/twine, or combinations thereof can serve as firstand second connective points 31 and 33 in place of rings 30 and 32.

Materials suitable for use as bushings 26 and 28 include, but are notlimited to metal, composites, plastics, wood, or any other materialcapable of being disposed within first and second holes 18 and 22.Depending upon the usage requirements and the particular heavy sportsequipment to be supported, load testing is used to determine the desiredsize and material of bushings 26 and 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, first end 12 and first hole 18 define firstannular area 38. First annular area 38 has thickness C. First annulararea 38 seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body 16 at first neck42. Second end 14 and second hole 22 define second annular area 44.Second annular area 44 has thickness D. Second annular area 44seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body 16 at second neck 48.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, suspension system 10 depicts wavy segment 50centrally positioned within longitudinal body 16 of suspension system10. Wavy segment 50 has reciprocal sides 52 and 54, where side 52 haswave crest 56, and side 54 has wave trough 58. For at least a portion ofwavy segment 50, wave crest 56 on side 52 corresponds to wave trough 58on the opposite, reciprocal side 54 of wavy segment 50. Crests 56 andtroughs 58 define a wavelength along the length of longitudinal body 16.Wavy segment 50 allows suspension system 10 to extend and return to thesteady-state condition, thereby providing shock and noise absorption.

Referring to FIG. 1, suspension system 10 is widest in middle portion60, having width E. In one embodiment, suspension system 10 tapers frommiddle portion 60 inwardly along each edge 64 toward first and secondnecks 42 and 48. As shown in this embodiment, width E of middle portion60 is greater than width F of longitudinal body 16 at second end 14 andwidth G of longitudinal body 16 at first end 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, longitudinal body 16 decreases in thickness fromfirst end 12 toward second end 14. As shown, the decrease in thicknessresults in side thickness H of longitudinal body 16 at second end 14being about one-half of side thickness J of longitudinal body 16 atfirst end 12. Referring to the side view of FIG. 2, one embodiment ofsuspension system 10 has a bowed shape. This shape facilitatesconnectivity to heavy sports equipment, while minimizing interferencetherewith.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of suspension system 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are given. All of the dimensions are adjustableand/or changeable to meet the need of the particular sports equipment.Suspension system 10 has overall length K of about 34 centimeters.Length M between first and second holes 18 and 22 is about 28.7centimeters. Continuing with this embodiment, width F at second end 14is about 4.5 centimeters and width G at first end 12 is about5centimeters. Width E of middle portion 60 is about 7 centimeters.Thicknesses C and D of first and second annular areas 38 and 44 areabout 2.5 centimeters and 2.9 centimeters respectively.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of suspension system 10including first slot 118 passing through first end 112 and second slot122 passing through second end 114. Each slot 118, 122 has length Q andwidth R. Typically the dimensions for length Q and width R will bedetermined by load testing to ensure adequate support for the desiredsports equipment. Further, each slot 118, 122 optionally includes abushing or other similar insert (not shown) disposed therein to providestrength and resist tear-through as previously described.

In an exemplary embodiment, length Q of each slot 118, 122 is betweenabout 2 centimeters to about 7 centimeters and width R of each slot 118,122 is between about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

Continuing with the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, connective point 31 passesthrough first slot 118. Connective point 33 passes through second slot122. Connective points 31, 33 can include a variety of materialsincluding but not limited to straps, ropes and rings. In thisembodiment, a strap 113 provides each connective point 31, 33. Eachstrap 113 is typically nylon webbing. Each strap 113 has width Tdetermined by load testing as suitable for supporting the sportsequipment.

In an exemplary embodiment, width T of strap 113 is between about 2centimeters to about 7 centimeters.

As shown in FIG. 6, strap 113 has first loop 115 that engages each slot118, 122. In this embodiment, first loop 115 is an end of strap 113folded and secured to itself in any convenient manner, such as bysewing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, first end 112 has first end width U andsecond end 114 has second end width V. Load testing for the sportsequipment provides suitable dimensions for first and second end widthsU, V and first and second end thicknesses N, P. Typically, length Q ofeach slot 118, 122 will be centered on their respective first and secondend widths U, V.

In an exemplary embodiment, first end width U is between about 4centimeters to about 10 centimeters and first end thickness N is betweenabout 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. Second end width V is betweenabout 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and second end thickness Pis between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters.

Referring to FIG. 4, longitudinal body 116 has width W at the connectionof first end 112 and width X at the connection of second end 114.Further, longitudinal body 116 has middle portion 160.

Referring to FIG. 5, longitudal body 116 has side thickness Y at theconnection of first end 112 and side thickness Z at the connection ofsecond end 114.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, width X is less than width W and sidethickness Z is less than side thickness Y such that longitudinal body116 tapers to a reduced width and thickness from the connection of firstend 112 to the connection of second end 114. Further, longitudinal body116 tapers to a reduced width and thickness from middle portion 160 tothe connection of second end 114. Load testing for the sports equipmentprovides suitable dimensions for widths W, X and side thicknesses Y, Z.

In an exemplary embodiment, width W is between about 4 centimeters toabout 10 centimeters and side thickness Y is between about 1 centimeterto about 4 centimeters. Width X is between about 4 centimeters to about10 centimeters and side thickness Z is between about 1 centimeter toabout 4 centimeters.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, first end 112 and first slot 118 definefirst tab 117. Second end 114 and second slot 122 define second tab 119.First tab 117 has first tab width AA and second tab 119 has second tabwidth BB. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitabledimensions for first and second tab widths AA, BB.

In an exemplary embodiment, first tab width AA is between about 2centimeters to about 5 centimeters and second tab width BB is betweenabout 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters.

Longitudinal body 116 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6includes the previously described wavy segment 50 defined thereonbetween first end 112 and second end 114. As previously described, wavysegment 50 has wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 defined on reciprocalsides 52, 54 of wavy segment 50. As shown, reciprocal sides 52, 54 areopposite one another. Further, wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 define awavelength oriented in substantially a longitudinal direction on thelongitudinal body 116. Wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 expand andcontract upon receiving an impact force, thereby enhancing theelasticity and force absorption of longitudinal body 116. Longitudinalbody 116 can include a plurality of wave crests 56 and wave troughs 58alternating between opposite sides of the wavy segment 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, suspension system 10 has overalllength CC and length DD between each slot 118, 122. Load testing for thesports equipment provides suitable dimensions for overall length CC andlength DD.

In an exemplary embodiment, overall length CC of suspension system 10 isbetween about 20 centimeters to about 30 centimeters. Length DD ofsuspension system 10 between each slot 118, 122 is between about 15centimeters to about 25 centimeters.

As stated above, suspension system 10 is made from a material havingelasticity. As illustrated, suspension system 10 is made from rubber.However, suspension system 10 can be made of any natural or syntheticmaterial capable of supporting the desired heavy sports equipment asdetermined by load testing.

In operation, suspension system 10 reduces shock and noise induced by animpact force on the heavy sports equipment. The shock and noise travelsthrough the sports equipment to suspension system 10, which providesdampening that reduces residual shock and noise. The dampening providedby suspension system 10 increases the serviceable life of the sportsequipment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise systemincluding heavy sports equipment, such as a heavy bag 200, supported bya plurality of suspension systems 10. Load testing for the particularsports equipment determines the number of suspension systems 10 requiredfor the particular application. In this embodiment, heavy bag 200 hasfour suspension systems 10 (only two are shown). Heavy bag 200 carries aplurality of support straps 202. Each support strap 202 provides amounting point at an individual location on outer surface 204 of heavybag 200 for the connection of first end 12 of each suspension system 10.Second ends 14 corresponding to each suspension system 10 connect at amounting device 206 for suspending heavy bag 200.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, each support strap 202 is sewn toa skin 208 carrying heavy bag 200. However, each support strap 202 maybe secured to skin 208 by any convenient arrangement. Ring 30 connectsfirst end 12 of each suspension system 10 to an individual support strap202. Second ends 14 corresponding to each suspension system 10 connectat ring 32 with mounting device 206.

FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment of the inventive suspension system 10 ofFIGS. 1-3 suspending heavy bag 200. However, the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6can also suspend heavy bag 200. In this alternative embodiment, an endof strap 113 carried by first ends 112 is secured to skin 208 in anyconvenient manner, thereby connecting first ends 112 to the heavy bag200. Similarly, the plurality of straps 113 carried by second ends 114connect at mounting device 206 to suspend heavy bag 200. Strap 113carried by second ends 114 can include second loop 120 or other similardevice to permit connection with mounting device 206. For example,second loop 120 can be an end of strap 113 folded and secured to itselfas previously discussed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, mounting device 206 is a steel ring. However,mounting device 206 can be any connective device capable of supportingthe desired sports equipment, or in this case, heavy bag 200.

When heavy bag 200 receives an impact, the force is transmitted in threedimensions, thereby pulling upon support straps 202 and straps 113.Suspension systems 10 absorb the force and reduce the shock and noiseexperienced by support straps 202 and straps 113 at their mountingpoints on heavy bag 200. The shock and noise reduction extends the lifeof the sporting equipment.

Other embodiments of the current disclosure will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from a consideration of this specification orpractice thereof. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merelyexemplary of the current disclosure with the true scope thereof beingdefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports equipment suspension system, comprising:a longitudinal body having elasticity, thereby allowing the longitudinalbody to stretch upon receiving an impact force and return to asteady-state condition thereafter; a first end carrying a firstconnective point and a second end carrying a second connective point,the first and second ends connected by the longitudinal body; and a wavysegment defined in the longitudinal body and positioned between thefirst and the second end.
 2. The sports equipment suspension system ofclaim 1, wherein a side thickness of the longitudinal body at the firstend is greater than a side thickness of the longitudinal body at thesecond end.
 3. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1,wherein the longitudinal body has a middle portion, the middle portionhaving a width greater than a width at the second end.
 4. The sportsequipment suspension system of claim 1, further comprising a first holedisposed through the first end and a second hole disposed through thesecond end, wherein the first connective point is secured in the firsthole and the second connective point is secured in the second hole. 5.The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, further comprising afirst slot disposed through the first end and a second slot disposedthrough the second end, wherein the first connective point is secured inthe first slot and the second connective point is secured in the secondslot.
 6. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 4, wherein eachhole has a bushing positioned therein.
 7. The sports equipmentsuspension system of claim 1, wherein at least one connective point is aring.
 8. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein atleast one connective point is a strap.
 9. The sports equipmentsuspension system of claim 8, wherein the strap is comprised of nylonwebbing.
 10. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, whereinthe wavy segment has at least one wave crest and at least one wavetrough defined on opposite sides of the wavy segment, and wherein atleast one wave crest corresponds to at least one wave trough.
 11. Thesports equipment suspension system of claim 9, wherein each side of thewavy segment has a plurality of wave crests and wave troughs.
 12. Anexercise system, comprising: a heavy bag; and a suspension system forsuspending the heavy bag, wherein the suspension system comprises: alongitudinal body having elasticity, thereby allowing the longitudinalbody to stretch in response to an impact force received by the heavy bagand return to a steady-state condition thereafter; a first end carryinga first connective point and a second end carrying a second connectivepoint, the first and second ends connected by the longitudinal body, thefirst connective point adapted to connect to the heavy bag, the secondconnective point adapted to connect to a mounting device for suspendingthe heavy bag; and a wavy segment defined in the longitudinal body andpositioned between the first and the second end.
 13. The exercise systemof claim 12, wherein the suspension system further comprises a firstslot disposed through the first end and a second slot disposed throughthe second end, wherein the first connective point is secured in thefirst slot and the second connective point is secured in the secondslot.
 14. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein the wavy segment hasat least one wave crest and at least one wave trough defined on oppositesides of the wavy segment, and wherein at least one wave crestcorresponds to at least one wave trough.
 15. The exercise system ofclaim 14, wherein each side of the wavy segment has a plurality of wavecrests and wave troughs.
 16. The exercise system of claim 12, furthercomprising a plurality of suspension systems for suspending the heavybag.
 17. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein the first end of eachof the plurality of suspension systems connects to an individuallocation on an outer surface of the heavy bag, and wherein the secondends of each of the plurality of suspension systems connect at themounting device for suspending the heavy bag.